We surveyed nonvolant mammals as part of a rapid biodiversity study of the high-altitude Rugezi Marsh, a Ramsar site in Rwanda, during 42 days across two seasons in 2023. Field methods included 30 days of active searching and live trapping (Sherman, pitfall, and cage traps), and 27 days of camera trapping. Sampling incorporated six distinct habitats forming a gradient of decreasing water saturation: saturated zone, papyrus habitat, edge, grassy habitat, buffer zone, and island. Morphological identification of specimens was performed with field keys from direct observation and photographs, with small-mammal classification complemented by DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial genes, Cytb and COI. We recorded 28 distinct mammal taxa: 17 identified species including 8 rodents, one shrew, and 8 carnivores; 2 rodents and a mole tentatively assigned to species; and 8 small mammals assigned to genus only, including 5 shrews and 3 rodents. This study documented the data-deficient (DD) rodent Lophuromys stanleyi, two near-threatened (NT) otters, and the shrew Sylvisorex lunaris (NT). Field observations provided preliminary insights into the impact of wetland habitat conditions and disturbance on mammals; specifically, slightly disturbed, semiwet zones with tall grasses supported higher species richness. Here, preliminary insights into nonvolant small-mammal relative abundances (especially shrews and rodents) were inferred from rapid assessment records. The species records were compared to prior mammal results from other wetlands, with a focus on Africa and neighboring countries. The results reveal substantial gaps in the taxonomic knowledge of nonvolant small mammals, especially shrews, inhabiting tropical wetlands. Given the ecological dependencies between tropical marshlands and nonvolant mammals, high-altitude tropical wetlands should become a focal area of research investigation in Rwanda and across tropical Africa.
The aim of this study was to phenotypically characterise indigenous chickens at Polokwane Local Municipality. A total of 400 indigenous chickens were selected across four directional regions. Following a cross-sectional design, measured quantitative traits were live body weight (LBW), body length (BL), beak length (BKL), shank length (SL), shank circumference (SC) and comb length (CL). The Kruskal–Wallis H results indicated that eye and shank colours, head shape, feather distribution and comb type were highly different p<0.01, while plumage and earlobe colours were similar p<0.01 across regions. Mann–Whitney U results indicated that sex had an effect p<0.01 on plumage colour; however, there was no effect p<0.05 on earlobe, eye and shank colours and feather distribution. The most frequent plumage colour, eye colour, shank colour, earlobe colour, feather distribution, comb type and head shape were black–brown (21.50%), orange (58.80%), yellow (30.50%), white (42.50%), normal (93.80%), single (88.25%) and plain (91.00%), respectively. ANOVA results showed that sex had a high influence p<0.01 on qualitative traits, and males had higher mean values than female chickens. LBW, BL, BKL, SL, SC and CH of chickens were different p<0.01 across regions, and their means were 1370.06 ± 24.11 g, 22.50 ± 0.19 cm, 3.80 ± 0.02 cm, 8.37 ± 0.06 cm, 4.61 ± 0.03 cm and 2.97 ± 0.05 cm, respectively. Interaction of sex and region had a difference p<0.05 on qualitative traits except for SC.
Mosquito vector elimination using botanicals is recommended nowadays because they are biodegradable and less harmful to humans and nontarget organisms. In this context, binary combinations of Citrus sinensis and Callistemon rigidus essential oils were assayed against the larvae and adults of Anopheles gambiae in the laboratory. Essential oil combinations were emulsified with Tween-80, and concentrations of 200, 100, 50, and 25 mg/L were prepared in 100 mL with tap water. In each concentration test solution or control, 25 fourth-instar larvae of An. gambiae were transferred, and larval mortality was recorded after 24h. Adulticidal test was conducted using CDC bottles coated with the essential oil combination at concentrations of 100, 50, 25, and 12.5 mg/L. The knockdown effect was recorded every 10 min until 1h, and adult mortality of An. gambiae adults was registered after 24 h. GC/MS analysis revealed limonene (90.07%) and 1,8-cineole (63.30%) as the major compounds in Ci. sinensis and Ca. rigidus essential oils, respectively. Among the combinations, the mixture Cs75% + Cr25% (LC50 = 10.70 mg/L) was the most potent, presenting a synergistic action against An. gambiae larvae. On mosquito adults, the essential oil of Ca. rigidus tested alone caused more knockdown against An. gambiae adults (knockdown concentration 50% [KdC50] = 1.88 mg/L) in short time (knockdown time 50% [KdT50] = 1.99 min) than the combination products. After 24 h postexposure, all the combinations presented synergistic action, and the combination Cs50% + Cr50% (LC50 = 1.38 mg/L) was the most effective against An. gambiae adults. Thus, combinations Cs75% + Cr25%, Cr100%, and Cs50% + Cr50% could be the new phyto-insecticide candidates to control An. gambiae larvae and adults.
Hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) is an endangered lagomorph inhabiting tropical grassland ecosystems within the protected areas of Southern Nepal. In the study, we assessed distribution, influencing habitat characteristics, and associated threats to the hispid hare in Shuklaphanta National Park, one of its key habitats. Habitat surveys were conducted using 80 strip transects (20 × 4 m2) with nested circular plots. Hispid hare pellet clusters were found in the 20% transects, totaling 93 pellet groups. The highest pellet occurrence was recorded in Haraiyaphanta (35%) and Shuklaphanta (32%). Across all the grasslands, the species exhibited a clumped distribution pattern. According to habitat research, dense ground cover, dry area, and distance away from water sources were identified as the important habitat features associated with hispid hare presence. Hispid hare habitat was dominated by Imperata cylindrica followed by Narenga porphyrocoma and Saccharum spontaneum. The study also indicated grassland fire and thatch cutting as the major threats to the species survival inside the park.
Habitat degradation, climate variability, and anthropogenic pressures threaten the ecological integrity of biosphere reserves. Lake Tana, in northwest Ethiopia, a UNESCO-recognized site of exceptional avifauna biodiversity, is no exception. While traditional bird survey methods are valuable, labor-intensive, and limited by accessibility and observer bias, we apply bioacoustic monitoring as a noninvasive, scalable technique for species identification, population surveys, and conservation planning in this ecologically significant region. Bird vocalizations were sampled across habitats: island, grazing, cultivated, and urban sites, and across seasons. Acoustic analysis of spectrograms enabled the identification of 47 bird species from 30 families and 14 orders, including several migrant, near-threatened, and endemic taxa. Results demonstrate that bioacoustics significantly enhances detection probabilities, particularly for cryptic and nocturnal species, and provides insights into vocalization patterns and temporal dynamics. The spectral characteristics of vocalizations varied across habitats and seasons. The island site recorded most bird vocalizations indicative of a protected habitat. Bird vocalization frequencies differed significantly between species (F (33,635) = 107.0, p<0.0001). Spur-winged lapwing (16,220.88 ± 417.95 Hz) had the highest maximum frequency, followed by village weaver (16,028.44 ± 2018.31 Hz). The lowest minimum frequency was measured in speckled pigeon vocalization (29.90 ± 36.32 Hz). The Egyptian goose, found in all sites, recorded the highest maximum (9880.47 ± 1976.68 Hz) and minimum (763.02 ± 159.34 Hz) frequencies in the urban site. The blue-eared starling, recorded at all sites, displayed the highest minimum (1031.44 ± 180.83 Hz) and maximum (8985.32 ± 1556.45 Hz) frequencies at cultivated and urban sites, respectively. When a species is sensitive to disturbance or difficult to monitor, bird vocalizations can be an effective conservation tool. Integrating bioacoustics into monitoring regimes can improve biodiversity assessments, inform adaptive conservation strategies, and support long-term ecological monitoring in biodiverse landscapes such as Lake Tana.
The study of prenatal interactions of embryonic viviparous Cyprinodontidae (Pisces) can illuminate the evolution of this reproductive mode. Yet the small size, relative scarcity, and conservation status severely limit this potential. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can solve or palliate these limitations. We developed a protocol to visualize the intraovarian location and arrangement of embryos of several species of the Goodeidae. This allowed us, in some cases, to gather images of the same specimens more than once during gestations, to be subsequently analyzed using ITK-SNAP. We show that it is possible to visualize several characteristics of the embryos as they develop within the maternal ovarium lumen, including their number, developmental stage as inferred from the presence and completeness of the mouth, gills, and eyes, and their arrangement within the lumen. The latter can allow inferences about the mother–embryo interactions, as we found, for instance, differences in the relative positions of embryos in species with and without functional trophotaeniae—the embryonic component of the goodeid placenta. In sum, we show that (1) it is possible to visualize the embryonic and maternal structures without dissection and (2) without sacrificing the fish, thus allowing to include in these studies even endangered species; (3) once calibrated to particular species, the technique enables repeated visualization of the same developing brood, opening the opportunity to study prenatal interactions nonlethally; and (4) MRI allowed the detection of abnormalities within the female body, potentially providing a tool for husbandry of endangered or rare species.
This study investigated the thermal tolerance of Camponotus thras negus and Camponotus acvapimensis in relation to climate change in Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), Ethiopia. Heat tolerance and cold tolerance were examined in colonies of C. thras negus collected from two altitudinal sites within BMNP: Gaysay (3040 m) and Sanetti (3970 m). Heat tolerance was assessed by measuring the time required for ant colonies to lose mobility when exposed to a stressful high temperature. Colonies originating from the high-altitude Sanetti site exhibited greater heat tolerance than those from Gaysay. Although the mean recovery time from heat stress was lower for the Sanetti population, no statistically significant difference was observed (p>0.05). On average, colonies from Sanetti withstood heat stress approximately 45 min longer than colonies from Gaysay. The heat tolerance of C. acvapimensis was comparable to that of C. thras negus from Sanetti; however, it displayed substantially lower cold tolerance than C. thras negus from both study sites. Colonies of C. acvapimensis required nearly five times longer to recover from chill coma than C. thras negus from Gaysay and about six times longer than those from Sanetti. These results indicate that C. thras negus populations from Sanetti possess both higher heat and cold tolerance, suggesting a greater capacity to withstand environmental stress. Overall, the findings also indicate notable climatic changes in the northern woodlands and the Gaysay Grasslands of BMNP. Given its higher thermal tolerance, C. thras negus from Sanetti may have a greater likelihood of persisting under the changing climatic conditions of the park.
Introduction Toxocariasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease affecting humans and domestic pets, leading to significant morbidity and, in severe cases, mortality. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Toxocara canis among household and stray/free‐ranging puppies aged ≤ 6 months in Gokarneshwor Municipality, central Nepal. Methods It is a cross‐sectional study. From November 2024 to March 2025, a total of 105 ( N = 105) fresh fecal samples (household: 35; stray: 70) were collected noninvasively via purposive and opportunistic sampling methods, respectively. Each sample was inspected macroscopically for fecal consistency and dead adult worms and microscopically for the presence of T. canis eggs using direct wet mounts and flotation techniques. Results The overall prevalence of T. canis was 59%. The chi‐square ( χ 2 ) test revealed that the frequency of worm infection was significantly higher in stray puppies (68.6%) than in household puppies (40%) ( p < 0.05). Similarly, Fisher’s exact test (two‐sided) showed that females (34.3%) had a higher prevalence than males (24.8%), but this difference was not statistically significant ( p > 0.05). One household puppy that excreted a dead Toxocara adult was administered the prescribed dose of Pyrantel pamoate, which resulted in the expulsion of 10 adult worms. Conclusion This study found a high prevalence of T. canis, particularly among the free‐ranging puppies. Therefore, owing to the worm’s pathogenic effects and its ability to transit zoonoses, early screening and timely treatment for young canids are essential to safeguard both animal and public health.
The vertebrate skull is a complex structure with diverse evolutionary and developmental patterns. Anuran chondrocranial development has been shown to deviate from generalized vertebrate trends, highlighting its evolutionary flexibility. This study investigates the chondrocranial development of Staurois parvus, a ranid frog, to provide insights into larval cranial morphology and developmental sequences. I examined 116 larval specimens (Gosner Stages 19–27) obtained from the Vienna Zoo Schönbrunn. Specimens were preserved, sectioned, and stained using Heidenhain’s trichrome method. High-resolution imaging and 3D reconstructions were performed, and chondrocranial development was analyzed based on a standardized morphological scoring system. The chondrocranium of S. parvus not only exhibits key ranid features but also reveals unique traits, including the absence of a larval otic process, a distinct suprarostral cartilage configuration, and a consistently present basihyal. The species follows the anuran-specific mosaic pattern of viscerocranial development, with the ceratohyal forming early. However, its neurocranial development retains ancestral vertebrate characteristics, with early chondrification of the otic capsule, parachordal cartilage, and trabecular cartilage. The findings further challenge the assumed uniformity of vertebrate chondrocranial development. While S. parvus contradicts anuran trends in viscerocranial development, its neurocranial patterning suggests evolutionary conservation. This study provides new insights into anuran cranial development and evolution and underscores the need for further research into the links between chondrocranial development, ecological adaptation, and evolutionary history.
Reptiles play important roles in natural systems, as predators, prey, grazers, seed dispersers, and commensal species. However, in many cultures, due to superstitions, myths, and false beliefs, people either avoid reptiles or want solely to kill them. Therefore, a study was carried out to investigate species composition and relative abundances of reptilian fauna in Enzi Millennium Park. The area was purposively selected due to its diverse habitat types suitable for reptiles and consequent rich reptile diversity. The study area was stratified into three different habitat types: grassland, rocky areas, and woodland. A total of 48 transect lines were randomly established over the three stratified habitat types. In each habitat type, 16 transects were established, for more or less equal area coverage of each habitat type. Transect lines having a length of 500 m and 3–20-m width were established to survey reptile species’ fauna. Active searching and photographing method were employed to collect data. A total of 12 species and 818 individual reptiles were recorded during both seasons, whereas 9 species of reptiles were recorded during the wet season, while 12 were recorded during the dry season. Of the total number of individuals, 322 were recorded during the wet season and 496 were recorded during the dry seasons. Diversity and relative abundance were high in woodland areas during both wet (H′ = 1.83) and dry (H′ = 2.21) seasons. Trachylepis quinquetaeniata (Lichtenstein, 1823) and Agama doriae (Boulenger, 1885) were abundant and common in all over the habitats of the study area. Psammophis sibilans (Linnaeus, 1758), Pelomedusa gehafie (Rüppell, 1835), and Philothamnus battersbyi (Loveridge, 1951), however, were less abundant and restricted to specific habitats in the study area. There is no statistically significant difference in species abundance between wet and dry seasons (t ≈ −1.086, df ≈ 21, p=0.290). The results have important implications for the conservation of reptiles in the Blue Nile river basin. The high diversity in woodland areas underscores the need to protect these habitats from degradation and fragmentation.
The study assessed the egg production performance of the Bovans Brown under small-scale intensive poultry systems in Addis Ababa. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select subcities and poultry farmers. A total of 156 poultry farmers were included in the study. The average age at first lay, age at peak lay, laying period, hen-day egg production (HDEP), and hen-housed egg production (HHEP), and peak percent lay were 19.7, 29.2, 50 weeks, 69.7%, 66.1%, and 90.5%, respectively. Layer birds kept in cages attained age at first lay (19.5 weeks) and peak of lay (28.5 weeks) at a lower age than those kept in floor housing (19.9 and 29.5 weeks, respectively). Significantly (p<0.05) higher HDEP and HHEP, peak percent lay, and egg-laying period were observed in birds from large flocks and cage housing compared to small flocks and floor housing. Significantly (p<0.05) higher mortality was observed in birds from small flocks kept in floor systems compared to those from large flocks housed in cages. HDEP showed a strong positive correlation with HHEP (r = 0.970, p<0.01), while it exhibited a significant negative correlation with mortality (r = −0.324, p<0.01) in the floor system. HHEP also showed a significant negative correlation with mortality (r = −0.487, p<0.01). HHEP also showed a significant positive correlation with peak percent lay (r = 0.301, p<0.05) and a significant negative correlation with mortality (r = −0.542, p<0.01) in the cage system. Age at first lay showed a significant positive correlation with age at peak lay across flock groups. HDEP was strongly and positively correlated with HHEP across the flock groups, confirming that daily laying rate determines total egg output. Keeping larger flocks and using cage housing in small-scale intensive urban poultry systems may improve the egg production and reduce mortality in Bovans Brown layers.
This study explores the scope of sexual and age-related discrimination in the hemipelvises of Lama guanicoe guanicoe (Müller 1776), a species that lacks postcranial secondary sexual characteristics. Using two-dimensional geometric morphometric techniques, changes in shape and size of the coxae bones from 50 individuals of both sexes and varying ontogenetic development from the Patagonian locality of Cinco Chañares (Río Negro, Argentina) were analyzed. The results indicate differences in the shape and size of the guanaco hemipelvis according to sex and age. The study provides novel morphological information on the variation in sections of the coxal bone, such as the ilium body, the ischial tuberosity, and the acetabulum. Additionally, the changes recorded along the dorsal border of the hemipelvis, mainly in the ischial notch and crest, reinforce the diagnostic nature of qualitative traits and metric variables previously described by other researchers as being associated with sexual dimorphism. The indirect evaluation of the biological parameters of sex and age, through the morphology and size of the coxae bones, represents a reliable skeletal indicator that can significantly contribute to biological studies and management plans for the species.
Appraisal of feed resources and their nutritive values is highly desirable for their efficient utilization and sustainable production. This study was conducted in the coffee–enset-based agroforestry system of the Gedeo Zone to assess the major feeds for fattening and evaluate their nutritive value. Survey data were collected using household interviews and focus group discussions. Subsamples of major feed types taken from different locations were used for nutritional analysis. Data were analyzed using the multivariate analysis procedure of SPSS. Enset and banana parts, native pasture, and indigenous trees were priority feeds; crop residues, cultivated forage, and wheat bran were intermittently utilized for fattening animals. Nutritional values varied significantly among different feed types (p < 0.001). Birbira and Girawa had high crude protein (CP) (21.18%–26.32%) and promising IVDMD (62.14%–69.47%). Banana and enset parts had medium CP (10.17%–13.27%), moderate neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (51%–55%), but high acid detergent lignin (ADL) (5.03%–8.33%), which hindered nutrient bioavailability. With low CP (6.9%–7.35%) and IVDMD (47.00%–49.18%), all of the grass and crop residues were characterized as low-quality feeds. The fiber fractions (NDF, ADF, and ADL) had a positive correlation with each other but a negative correlation with the ash, CP, and IVDMD. Generally, most of the feeds used for fattening are either medium- or low-quality feeds. So, the utilization of nutrient-dense supplements in fattening operations is highly demanded. Conservation of feed resources in their season of sufficient availability for next season’s utilization and strengthening extension work on dissemination and establishment of cultivated forages to boost their share and sustain the fattening operation were highly recommended.
The study investigated the role of highland lakes in conserving avian fauna in the Gurage highland, south-central Ethiopia. The study was carried out from January 2022 to October 2022 by considering dry and wet seasons. The transect lines are designed purposively at the shoreline of the lake by moving around the lake. Using ArcGIS, a total of 15 sampling line transects were employed to cover the study area. Of them, nine were used in Lake Arekit and six were used in Lake Bojebar. The data were collected early in the morning, from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m., and late in the afternoon, from 3:00 to 6.30 p.m., when birds are more active. Free R software was used for data analysis. A total of 98 bird species were identified in the study area during the dry and wet season surveys. The Egyptian geese are an abundant species next to the blue-winged goose compared to other bird species. Variations in the number of bird species were observed between the two lakes. Two lakes have significant differences in species richness ( p = 0.001) in all sensitivity levels (0, 1, and 2, which indicate Chao1–richness, Chao1–Shannon, and Chao1–Simpson). During the dry season, Arekit Lake was the richest (69), and Bojebar Lake (31) had the lowest number of bird species. There was no significant difference in species’ relative abundance among the two sites, either when seasons were considered separately (dry season: χ 2 = 0.589, df = 3, p = 0.899; wet season: χ 2 = 0.269, df = 3, p = 0.966). During the wet season, the number of bird species ranged from 34 to 51, as recorded in Arekit Lake and Bojebar Lake, respectively. The Gurage highland is rich in bird species, therefore meeting the criteria for important bird areas (IBAs). This research output indicates that this study area has great importance for conserving the avian fauna. There is a need for a detailed study of the long duration of biodiversity and other ecological aspects to get exhaustive information.
Bird species exhibit unique ecological traits and diverse distributions, often influenced by habitat selection behaviors. Understanding avian diversity in tropical forests is crucial, particularly in regions like Ethiopia, which is rich in endemism and biodiversity. Birds serve as excellent indicators of biodiversity, and ecosystem productivity, fulfilling roles such as seed dispersers, and pollution indicators. A stratified sampling design was employed across three habitat types: natural forest with lake area, grassland, and plantation. Data were collected over 6 months using direct observation, point count, and line-transect methods. Data analysis included calculating Shannon and Simpson diversity indices, along with chi-squared tests to evaluate relationships among bird species, habitat types, and seasonal variations. The study identified 100 bird species across 12 orders and 43 families, including nine species from the Muscicapidae and Accipitridae families. The species Blue-winged Goose and Spot-breasted Plover were endemic to Ethiopia. Plantation habitats had the lowest species diversity (H′ = 3.09) and species richness (RI = 7.13), while grassland habitat showed the lowest species evenness ( E = 0.78). In contrast, natural forest exhibited the highest species diversity (H′= 3.4), evenness ( E = 0.82), and richness (RI = 8.88). The most abundant species were the Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Hadada Ibis, and Wattled Ibis. Natural forests, characterized by dense vegetation, exhibited the highest species richness compared to plantations. Seasonal variations significantly influenced species abundance, with species being more abundant during the wet season than in the dry season. This study underscores the need for effective conservation strategies in Ethiopia, offering vital insights into bird diversity and habitat health to support the identification of vulnerable and endemic species for improved biodiversity management.
Sandflies are the primary vectors of leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease of major public health concern in Saudi Arabia. While morphological identification remains the standard for species classification in the Jazan and Asir regions, distinguishing closely related taxa is often challenging and time-consuming. This study assessed DNA barcoding as a complementary tool for accurate identification. Twelve species were identified, including seven Phlebotomus (P. papatasi, P. bergeroti, P. alexandri, P. saevus, P. similis, P. arabicus, and P. tobbi) and five Sergentomyia (S. schwetzi, S. dreyfussi, S. fallax, S. baghdadis, and S. anodontis). P. bergeroti and S. schwetzi were the most abundant species. Four species—P. similis, P. tobbi, S. anodontis, and S. baghdadis—were recorded for the first time in Saudi Arabia, while six others (P. alexandri, P. arabicus, P. saevus, S. fallax, S. dreyfussi, and S. schwetzi) were submitted as the first COI barcode records from the country, thereby making their sequences publicly available in GenBank. All species were morphologically identified, successfully barcoded using partial mitochondrial COI sequences, and validated through GenBank accessions. The DNA barcodes produced 100% matches to reference sequences, confirming the morphological identifications. Notably, P. tobbi and S. baghdadis may represent cryptic species, subspecies, or novel taxa in the region, requiring further investigation. The phylogenetic clustering of P. tobbi with Sergentomyia species further emphasizes the complex evolutionary history within sandflies. This study provides the first integrated morphological and molecular reference for sandfly fauna in southwestern Saudi Arabia. By establishing a genetic library and reporting novel records, it delivers a critical resource for accurate species recognition, strengthens leishmaniasis vector surveillance and control, and significantly advances understanding of sandfly biodiversity in the Kingdom and the Arabian Peninsula.
The reproductive cycle of Larkinia grandis (Broderip and G.B. Sowerby I, 1829) from the NW Mexican Pacific was analyzed in relation to environmental variables, condition index (CI), and biochemical composition of different tissues. A total of 960 clams (80/month; 44.5–142.0 mm, shell height) were collected from the El Cohui estuary in the Navachiste lagoon, Sinaloa, Mexico (NW of the Mexican Pacific), during an annual cycle (August 2017 to July 2018). The species exhibited a semiannual reproductive pattern with two spawning peaks (October–December 2017 and April–July 2018). Reproductive activity was strongly correlated with temperature ( r p = 0.73, p = 0.02), salinity ( r p = 0.73, p = 0.02), and food availability (Chl- a ) ( r p = 0.70, p = 0.03). The CI (35.93 ± 8.34−62.29 ± 6.96) reflected gonadal maturity ( r p = 0.73, p = 0.02), while biochemical analyses revealed lipids as the main energy reserve, followed by proteins, triglycerides, and carbohydrates (281.64 ± 107.74, 148.49 ± 74.27, 140.57 ± 37.78, and 46.65 ± 6.33 mg g −1 , respectively). Energy mobilization from mantle, adductor muscle, and digestive gland to the gonad was evident during gametogenesis. These findings provide essential knowledge for the management, conservation, and aquaculture of this arcid clam.
Amidst increasing hydropower development in recent years, the impacts of such hydropower on fish communities are poorly understood. We hypothesized that run-of-the-river hydropower dams influence fish assemblages in the dewatered stretch in the Trisuli and Marsyangdi Rivers of the Gandaki Basin, Nepal. Fish and water samples were collected from 5 sampling sites in each river covering postmonsoon (November), baseflow (late February), and premonsoon (April) seasons. Six replicate samples were collected from each site, making a total of 180 water samples. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling and hierarchical clustering were used to cluster fish assemblages. Ecological indices were computed, and the redundancy analysis was performed to determine water quality contributions to fish species composition. The Cyprinidae family constituted nearly 58% of the total composition, making it the most dominant family. The study demonstrated a significant difference in the fish abundance among the sampling sites. Particularly, the dam site and downstream sites had relatively less abundance of fish, clearly demonstrating the dam’s impact on fish assemblages. The highest diversity index was recorded in the reference site and the lowest in the dam site. There was a significant association between streamflow discharge and fish abundance. The significant contributors in determining the fish species composition were pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, chloride, total hardness, calcium hardness, free carbon dioxide, and phosphate. The Trisuli River recorded a higher fish diversity and evenness compared to the Marsyangdi River. The present study provides critical insights into water quality parameters determining fish community structures in the Nepal Himalaya and offers useful information on sustainable hydropower development by adopting mitigating measures for restoring riverine fish diversity.
Forage nutritional composition varies with season and agroecological conditions, influencing feed quality and ultimately livestock productivity. Commelina species grow alongside food crops and are widely used as forage for livestock in the Konso zone of southern Ethiopia. This study evaluated the influence of season (wet and dry) and agroecological zones (lowland and midland) on the nutritional profile of Commelina species, with samples collected concurrently across these factors. The study was designed as a three-way ANOVA in a completely randomized factorial design (five species × two altitudes × two seasons) with three replications per treatment, and data were analyzed using the generalized linear model. Results showed that nutrient composition varied significantly across seasons and agroecological conditions. From the wet to dry season, DM, ash, and CP decreased by 2.09%, 3.75%, and 4.39%, respectively ( p < 0.001), whereas NDF, ADF, and ADL increased by 5.85%, 6.84%, and 2.94% ( p < 0.001). Across agroecological conditions, DM, ash, and CF declined by 1.96%, 3.66%, and 5.11% ( p < 0.001), while NDF, ADF, and ADL decreased by 1.39%, 4.00%, and 2.36%. However, CP increased from 11.72% in the lowlands to 16.24% in the midlands (+4.52%). Fiber fractions were positively correlated with each other ( p < 0.001) and with season ( p < 0.001), but negatively correlated with agroecological conditions ( p < 0.05), CP, and ether extract (EE) ( p < 0.001). These findings suggest that Commelina species, which maintain moderate CP and fiber levels under varying seasonal and agroecological conditions, can serve as an alternative protein supplement in livestock feeding systems.
The present review examines the biodiversity, ecological functions, and limnological attributes of wetlands in Assam, India, emphasizing aquatic biodiversity and its socioeconomic significance for local communities. The study employs a quasisystematic literature review methodology, supported by comprehensive database searches, stringent inclusion criteria, thematic analysis, and empirical data from diverse wetland locations, to consolidate information on macrophytes, macroinvertebrates, and fish species, alongside the environmental changes and threats they encounter. There are 3513 wetlands in Assam that cover 101,234 ha. These wetlands make up about 4% of the floodplain area and 1.3% of the state’s total land area. There are 690 lakes and ponds, 861 oxbow lakes, 1125 waterlogged areas, and 712 swamps and marshes in these wetlands that are home to a wide range of aquatic life. Wetlands are important for ecosystem services like cleaning water, controlling floods, and providing homes for migratory birds. They also support local economies through fishing, farming, and tourism. However, more and more human activities, like pollution, encroachment, unregulated resource use, and climate change, have caused habitats to degrade and biodiversity to decline. The research underscores that ongoing wetland degradation jeopardizes both ecological integrity and the socioeconomic welfare of reliant communities. The study examines current conservation initiatives and underscores the necessity for integrated management strategies, community engagement, and enhanced policy interventions. To protect these important freshwater ecosystems, it is important to use sustainable methods that balance conservation with the needs of the area. The objectives of this review are to give a comprehensive overview of Assam’s wetland biodiversity and stress the need for proactive, science-based conservation methods to make sure that ecosystems and economies are strong in the long term.
